Overview

See the best of the South Island of New Zealand in this 12 Day Discover the West Coast self drive. This itinerary takes you on an incredible journey -- from the beautiful resort town of Queenstown to the country’s capital city of Wellington.

In between, you will witness breathtaking and unique landscapes. Explore the twin glaciers of the west coast and Punakaiki’s famous “Pancake Rocks”. Experience a combination of cruise and walk in Abel Tasman National Park and get on board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise that will take you to Wellington. You will discover stunning sceneries that will surely make memories to last a lifetime.

Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier - Punakaiki - Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Blenheim - Interislander Ferry - Wellington

Map of 12 Day Discover the West Coast Self Drive
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Arrive Queenstown
Explore Queenstown
Explore Queenstown
Queenstown to Franz Josef
Explore Franz Josef
Franz Josef to Punakaiki
Punakaiki to Nelson
Abel Tasman National Park
Nelson to Blenheim
Blenheim - Interislander Ferry - Wellington
Explore Wellington
Depart Wellington

Day 1

Arrive Queenstown

Day 2

Explore Queenstown

Day 3

Explore Queenstown

Day 4

Queenstown to Franz Josef

Travel Time: 4 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 350 kms

Day 5

Explore Franz Josef

Day 6

Franz Josef to Punakaiki

Travel Time: 2 hrs 50 mins

Distance: 217 kms

Day 7

Punakaiki to Nelson

Travel Time: 3 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 345 kms

Day 8

Abel Tasman National Park

Day 9

Nelson to Blenheim

Travel Time: 1 hr 35 mins

Distance: 115 kms

Day 10

Blenheim - Interislander Ferry - Wellington

Travel Time: 25 mins

Distance: 28 kms

Day 11

Explore Wellington

Day 12

Depart Wellington

On arrival into Queenstown, collect your rental vehicle and head into your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore.

Stay 3 nights Queenstown

We recommend one of the adrenaline-filled activities on offer in our adventure capital. Enjoy a Dart River Safari providing a wilderness experience with a jetboat ride. We highly recommend including a Skyline Gondola ride, Kiwi Haka show and buffet dinner to finish your day of excitement with a delicious dining experience overlooking the town, lake, and mountains beyond.

Perhaps venture to Arrowtown today, a quaint village with heritage buildings and boutique shopping, filled with stories of its beginnings as a gold mining settlement. For a decadent treat, you might fancy a tour of the area’s wineries. Alternatively, embark on a day tour to the majestic Milford Sound, taking in the spectacular scenery during your magical journey.

Leave Queenstown today for the West Coast. Along the way we recommend a visit to the weird and wonderful Puzzling World near Wanaka. This is an entertaining activity for young and old alike with a mix of bizarre buildings, the world famous Great Maze and rooms of illusion. Drive along the shores of the scenic Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, before heading over the Haast Pass. There are places to stop at the roadside in the Pass to admire the stunning waterfalls and blue pools. You will pass through the village of Fox Glacier, before arriving in at Franz Josef Glacier.

Stay 2 nights Franz Josef

Today, you have the option of taking a helicopter ride over the glaciers or embarking on a Heli Hike which will take you up onto the glacier where you will be guided across the ice. Alternatively, if walking on the ice is not your style, you could always join a guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face. 

Today, head north along the West Coast. Spend some time in Hokitika on your way, a town noted for its Pounamu (New Zealand jade). You may wish to stop in at Greymouth for lunch. Visit Shantytown where you can enjoy a steam train ride through native rainforest and even try your luck at gold panning. Just before arriving into Punakaiki for the night, we recommend a visit to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, giant pancake limestone formations.

Stay 1 night Punakaiki

This morning, continue your journey north towards Westport then head inland to Nelson. On arrival into Nelson, a town known for its local art, you may wish to visit local art galleries. This town is a magnet for creative folk, with more than 350 working artists and craftspeople, or head to one of the golden beaches. Nelson is also the gateway to the small but perfectly formed Abel Tasman National Park, crystal clear waters and bird-filled native bush.

Stay 2 nights Nelson

Take the coach from Nelson to Kaiteriteri to board the 9.30am Vista Cruise departure. Cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way. You will return to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach to walk 3hrs 30mins (11.5kms) along the easiest section of the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams. At Marahau you will rejoin your coach at 4.00pm or 5.30pm for the trip back to Nelson.

After leaving Nelson, you will travel through the beautiful Marlborough wine region.

You may wish to travel on to Picton and join the Magic Mail Run cruise that showcases the Marlborough Sounds including Queen Charlotte Sound. Blenheim, the gateway to the well-known Marlborough wine region will be your stop for the night.

Stay 1 night Blenheim

This afternoon, take the short drive to Picton. Return your rental vehicle in time for your afternoon ferry crossing. Cross Cook Strait on the scenic three-hour voyage. On arrival in Wellington, pick up a transfer into the city where you will spend your last couple of days.

Stay 2 nights Wellington

The capital and its surrounds offer a tremendous range of activities, from culture and art in the city’s theatres and galleries to wildlife encounters and waterfront walkways. The thriving metropolis is home to fantastic shopping, gourmet food and colourful citizens. You may wish to take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Tonight, we recommend a visit to Zealandia to experience a unique night tour showcasing New Zealand’s famous Kiwi birds.

Today you will be transferred to Wellington Airport for your onward flight or return flight home.

Day 1, Arrive Queenstown

Arrive Queenstown

On arrival into Queenstown, collect your rental vehicle and head into your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore.

Stay 3 nights Queenstown

Day 2, Explore Queenstown

Explore Queenstown

We recommend one of the adrenaline-filled activities on offer in our adventure capital. Enjoy a Dart River Safari providing a wilderness experience with a jetboat ride. We highly recommend including a Skyline Gondola ride, Kiwi Haka show and buffet dinner to finish your day of excitement with a delicious dining experience overlooking the town, lake, and mountains beyond.

Day 3, Explore Queenstown

Explore Queenstown

Perhaps venture to Arrowtown today, a quaint village with heritage buildings and boutique shopping, filled with stories of its beginnings as a gold mining settlement. For a decadent treat, you might fancy a tour of the area’s wineries. Alternatively, embark on a day tour to the majestic Milford Sound, taking in the spectacular scenery during your magical journey.

Day 4, Queenstown to Franz Josef

Queenstown to Franz Josef

Travel Time: 4 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 350 kms

Leave Queenstown today for the West Coast. Along the way we recommend a visit to the weird and wonderful Puzzling World near Wanaka. This is an entertaining activity for young and old alike with a mix of bizarre buildings, the world famous Great Maze and rooms of illusion. Drive along the shores of the scenic Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, before heading over the Haast Pass. There are places to stop at the roadside in the Pass to admire the stunning waterfalls and blue pools. You will pass through the village of Fox Glacier, before arriving in at Franz Josef Glacier.

Stay 2 nights Franz Josef

Day 5, Explore Franz Josef

Explore Franz Josef

Today, you have the option of taking a helicopter ride over the glaciers or embarking on a Heli Hike which will take you up onto the glacier where you will be guided across the ice. Alternatively, if walking on the ice is not your style, you could always join a guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face. 

Day 6, Franz Josef to Punakaiki

Franz Josef to Punakaiki

Travel Time: 2 hrs 50 mins

Distance: 217 kms

Today, head north along the West Coast. Spend some time in Hokitika on your way, a town noted for its Pounamu (New Zealand jade). You may wish to stop in at Greymouth for lunch. Visit Shantytown where you can enjoy a steam train ride through native rainforest and even try your luck at gold panning. Just before arriving into Punakaiki for the night, we recommend a visit to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, giant pancake limestone formations.

Stay 1 night Punakaiki

Day 7, Punakaiki to Nelson

Punakaiki to Nelson

Travel Time: 3 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 345 kms

This morning, continue your journey north towards Westport then head inland to Nelson. On arrival into Nelson, a town known for its local art, you may wish to visit local art galleries. This town is a magnet for creative folk, with more than 350 working artists and craftspeople, or head to one of the golden beaches. Nelson is also the gateway to the small but perfectly formed Abel Tasman National Park, crystal clear waters and bird-filled native bush.

Stay 2 nights Nelson

Day 8, Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

Take the coach from Nelson to Kaiteriteri to board the 9.30am Vista Cruise departure. Cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way. You will return to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach to walk 3hrs 30mins (11.5kms) along the easiest section of the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams. At Marahau you will rejoin your coach at 4.00pm or 5.30pm for the trip back to Nelson.

Day 9, Nelson to Blenheim

Nelson to Blenheim

Travel Time: 1 hr 35 mins

Distance: 115 kms

After leaving Nelson, you will travel through the beautiful Marlborough wine region.

You may wish to travel on to Picton and join the Magic Mail Run cruise that showcases the Marlborough Sounds including Queen Charlotte Sound. Blenheim, the gateway to the well-known Marlborough wine region will be your stop for the night.

Stay 1 night Blenheim

Day 10, Blenheim - Interislander Ferry - Wellington

Blenheim - Interislander Ferry - Wellington

Travel Time: 25 mins

Distance: 28 kms

This afternoon, take the short drive to Picton. Return your rental vehicle in time for your afternoon ferry crossing. Cross Cook Strait on the scenic three-hour voyage. On arrival in Wellington, pick up a transfer into the city where you will spend your last couple of days.

Stay 2 nights Wellington

Day 11, Explore Wellington

Explore Wellington

The capital and its surrounds offer a tremendous range of activities, from culture and art in the city’s theatres and galleries to wildlife encounters and waterfront walkways. The thriving metropolis is home to fantastic shopping, gourmet food and colourful citizens. You may wish to take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Tonight, we recommend a visit to Zealandia to experience a unique night tour showcasing New Zealand’s famous Kiwi birds.

Day 12, Depart Wellington

Depart Wellington

Today you will be transferred to Wellington Airport for your onward flight or return flight home.

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per Person 2022-23

 Twin/Double
Standard Accommodation from NZ$2,792* per person

 * PLEASE NOTE

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

  • Car hire excess fees of NZ$3000 + GST applies. This will be imprinted on a credit card upon collecting the vehicle. Excess reduction options are available at an additional cost per day. 
  • Airport/Ferry pick up fee of NZ$45+ GST applies. This must be paid direct in New Zealand. 
  • Car parking fees may apply in some locations.

Payment

  • Deposit: $200 per person at time of booking
  • Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking.
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Includes

Includes:

11 nights accommodation

  • 3 nights Queenstown
  • 2 nights Franz Josef
  • 1 night Punakaiki
  • 2 nights Nelson
  • 1 night Blenheim
  • 2 nights Wellington

9 days car rental (CDAR Compact Auto: Toyota Corolla or similar)

Airport and ferry transfers

Interislander Ferry Crossing

Dart River Safari

Wilsons Abel Tasman Cruise and Walk

Options

Travel Insurance

If you are going overseas, then travel insurance is a necessity.

Accommodation

There is a choice of accommodation available on all packages, which depending on locations, includes motels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, boutique lodges & hotels and luxury lodges and hotels. We are happy to quote on alternate accommodation requests.

Airfares

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.

Optional Extras

Explore Queenstown

Skyline Gondola

An essential inclusion on your Queenstown schedule. Travel by gondola to Bob’s Peak high above the township and lake where the unsurpassed views are matched only by a range of activity options that may require a day rather than an hour or two. The views stretch from Coronet Peak to the left, over the town and Remarkable Mountains, along Lake Wakatipu’s southern arm toward Kingston and to your right, across the lake, Cecil and Walter Peaks and the Earnslaw plying its waters as well.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Queenstown

Travel by coach to Milford Sound. An extended and leisurely 2½ hour cruise of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner, or Milford Wanderer. These modern vessels, purpose built for operating in a fiord environment, have been designed along the lines of a traditional trading scow, and have real character. These relaxing cruises have special appeal for the independent traveller and an on board nature guide provides detailed interpretation and commentary. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and to view the stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks. Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Explore the Glaciers

Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight - 30 Minute

Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers and land at the head of either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier. View the incredible phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the carved valley from its origin in the mountains high above you.

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike - Half Day

Guides will outfit you in thick socks, boots, an alpenstock and waterproof coat then a helicopter flight over the Pinnacles, to land high on the glacier. This section contains many ice caves and beautiful ice formations which you will explore with your guide. All too soon it’s back into your helicopter for the return flight.

Explore Wellington

Introducing Te Papa Guided Tour

These guided tours are an ideal introduction to New Zealand's National Museum. Te Papa will show you the country's past, present and future, so you can explore the land and its people. In 20 galleries explore the oceans, the land and its wildlife; learn of the Maori people, the more recent settlement and diversity of its people, its arts and visual culture. As you will discover this is no ordinary museum with many interactive displays.

Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

A must do for anyone visiting Wellington, the award winning ZEALANDIA experience will make you feel as though you have gone back in time to what New Zealand may have been like 1000 years ago. A unique eco-attraction, ZEALANDIA's world renowned conservation movement and New Zealand's incredible natural history are brought to life with state-of-the-art indoor interactive displays. Marvel at the weird and wonderful creatures that once walked the earth featured in the exhibition or roam through the beautiful 550 acre eco-sanctuary to view some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects in the wild. 

In the evening join a two and half hour guided tour by torchlight as the bush comes alive with birdsong not heard for centuries. At night, as darkness descends over the valley, some of ZEALANDIA's most treasured residents head out to hunt, like spotted kiwi, tuatara, and morepork

Highlights

Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier - Punakaiki - Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Blenheim - Interislander Ferry - Wellington

Dart River Safari, Queenstown

Combine the exhilaration of an exciting 70km jet boat trip with a journey into a magnificent mountain wilderness. Across the headwaters of Lake Wakatipu, through the braided channels of the lower Dart River then narrower further upstream as the mountains, forests and snowfields get closer, with time for a short bush walk. Includes transport from Queenstown.

Abel Tasman National Park

Cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way. You will return to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach to walk 3hrs 30mins (11.5kms, 7 miles) along the easiest section of the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams. 

Interislander Ferry

The 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds. This region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays is a true photographic opportunity. From the Cook Strait spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. After crossing the strait you approach Wellington Harbour and pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the countries highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).

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12 Day Discover the West Coast Self Drive

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